UCL Specifcs

Question 1

Pros of UCL

Answer 1

1. Located in the heart of London -> has many teaching hospitals -> provides a world class undergraduate medical education
2. One of the widest ranges of intercalation opportunities in the UK.
3. Medical innovation through the discovery of adrenaline and the autoimmune diseases

Question 2

General course structure

Answer 2

Year 1 and 2 -> fundamentals of clinical sciences through systems-based modules

Year 3 -> provides the opportunity to develop academic and research skills in an intercalated BSc of our choice

Year 4 and 5 -> placements based in hospitals

Year 6 -> Consolidate the clinical knowledge and skills and 8 week elective anywhere in the world to prepare for the real world

Question 3

Positives of the UCL medical school structure:

Answer 3

1. Largely pre-clinical -> gives you a understanding and foundation to base your medical practice on, suits to my personal need of working with learnt knowledge to apply into clinical practice -> makes me feel more settled and directed within patient care while attending to the needs of patients
2. Also within the course there are small group activities, lectures, self-paced and computer assisted learning and preparation -> broad preparation which improves overall clinical skills of a doctor

Question 4

Why UCL?

Answer 4

1. Atmosphere + vibe:
   - energetic, diverse + welcoming (seen from open days)
   - collaborative nature -> more motivating than competitive
2. Location -> access to the UCH, Whittington
   - Great exposure to diverse patient groups and pathologies
   - London’s cultural, social and academic environment pushes me to grow outside of medicine and engage in other interests and opportunities everywhere such as sports and gaming commitments
3. Ethos -> emphasise widening participation inclusivity -> culture emphasises a lot on manners and respect -> understanding of medical decisions being family based -> multilingual able to adapt and be attentive in communication (helps with being adept with different cultures and patient backgrounds
4. Integrated Learning + Traditional:
   - Suits my personal learning style -> links scientific foundations with real clinical applications
   - develop clinical reasoning through case-based discussions

Question 5

UCL updated curriculum changes:

Answer 5

Ensures more of an alignment with GMC guidelines on themes of AI and innovation to emphasise life-long learning and data science -> using research and using clinical skills to try and create new treatment plans -> aligns with research interest

Question 6

MINIMA Research:

Answer 6

Involves the use of a magnetic seed to guide through the brain to heat and destroy tumours:

• comprises of a thermoseed which uses a modified MRI scanner to navigate the thermoseed through the brain and it avoids the use of surgeries and traditional side effects to treat the tumour without harming healthy tissue -> could also help with treating prostate cancer

Helps with my ability to reflect on the clinical boundaries of care as technology in the era of evidence-based care could solve problems that were once impossible to treat -> helps as the UCL curriculum is updated now

Question 7

RUMS

Answer 7

Want to get involved in some of the medical societies (RUMS):
- cricket
- badminton

Engaging with my overall health and as a method to change my environment and engage with others -> de-stress through activity and keep my mental health healthy and strong through interaction and my overall desire to self-improve and for self-growth.

Question 8

Intercalation programme interest

Answer 8

I would love to dive deeper into research by doing an intercalation BSc to gain hands on experience whilst working with people who are leaders in their respective fields. I would love to learn how to systematically carry out research, write it up for publication in journals and present it at conferences. As a doctor I would love to learn how to use my research to ultimately benefit patient healthcare and use the university’s resources and equipment to be a better rounded clinician

Question 9

UCL values (research, diversity and global health)

Answer 9

Global Health:
- Have an interdisciplinary, collaborative and ethical approach to improving health and health equity worldwide
- addressing the broad determinants of health, working with diverse communities and fostering future leaders committed to social responsibility
- Innovation and Impact -> challenge conventions and develop innovative, workable solutions to real-world problems -> deliver research and education that has a practical impact on patient care and public health

Diversity:
- a commitment rooted in the founding principle of admitting students regardless of their background -> aims to produce patient-centred clinicians that can work well with diverse populations
- Inclusion and openness -> fosters a positive culture where everyone can flourish and feel valued for their unique talents and perspectives free from arbitrary discrimination (seen in societies)
- learning and working in a place free from unlawful discrimination, prejudice, intimidation and bullying

Research:
- Focuses on integrity, care, respect, openness and collaboration aiming to benefit society through ethical practice, academic freedom
- Focuses on being able to make societal benefits for public good and enhancing patient outcomes and meeting future health challenges
- Multidisciplinary collaboration - working across specialities to drive innovation
- Ethical Responsibility -> leading in ethical research to understand the societal role of universities and minimising negative impacts

Question 10

UCL Doctor Model

Answer 10

A highly capable, patient-centred clinician that’s able to practice medicine in a:
- professional and patient-centred way
- inclusive and sustainable way, grounded in science and best practice
- socially responsible to serve the health needs of an individual

Question 11

Proton Beam Therapy - what is it?

Answer 11

A form of radiotherapy treatment

Question 12

What is proton beam therapy?

Answer 12

A type of radiotherapy treatment which uses high energy or low energy proton beams to treat cancer

Question 13

What types of cancer can it be used for?

Answer 13

Brain, spinal cord and head/neck area cancers

Question 14

Since when has this been available?

Answer 14

People have been going abroad since 2008 and is not new!

Question 15

How does proton beams therapy work?

Answer 15

The gantry which is a part of the proton machine - directs proton beams at the area of the body which needs treating -> they produce a sudden burst of energy when they stop and it is directed at the cancer making them stop inside the tumour and destroy the cancer -> causes little damage to neighbouring cells

Question 16

How long is the course of treatment?

Answer 16

3-7 weeks (5 days of the week) each session taking between 30-60 mins

Question 17

Side effects of proton beams therapy

Answer 17

May feel tired during the treatment and after it, might lose hair and skin may look sore and red

Explained before hand by doctors and follow up plans are made to track your side effects.

Prostate cancer has a 97-99% cancer free rate for low risk